| MATCHUP | Charlotte Hornets | Indiana Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 28-31 | 15-44 |
| Spread | -12.5 -115 | +12.5 -105 |
| Moneyline | -800 | +550 |
| Total | Over 228.5 (-112) | Under 228.5 (-108) |
| Where | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN | |
| When | Thursday, February 26, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | FanDuel SN IN | |
The Charlotte Hornets pay a visit to the Indiana Pacers at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday night. Here’s a Charlotte Hornets vs. Indiana Pacers prediction. This article will include a Charlotte Hornets vs. Indiana Pacers pick.
Charlotte Hornets Betting Preview
The Charlotte Hornets have been in great shape as they’ve won 12 of their last 15 games overall and they will be aiming for a third straight win after making light work of the Bulls in a 131-99 road win on Tuesday. Brandon Miller led the team with 23 points on nine of 16 shooting; Kon Knueppel added 21 points on seven of 12 shooting, while LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges each scored 16 points.
As a team, the Hornets shot 52 percent from the field and a sizzling 25 of 57 from the 3-point line as they battled the Bulls in a tightly contested first half before they dominated the second half by 75-44 to make it look like a complete mismatch in the end.
Indiana Pacers Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers have been in a slump as they’ve lost eight of their last 10 games overall and they will be hoping to arrest a four-game slide after getting routed by the 76ers in a 135-114 loss on Tuesday. Andrew Nembhard led the team with 23 points, Micah Potter added 23 points on nine of 11 shots off the bench, and Quenton Jackson chipped in with 15 points.
As a team, the Pacers shot 43 percent from the field and 13 of 43 from the 3-point line as they poured in 38 points in the first quarter to take the early lead, but it didn’t even last until halftime, as the Pacers were always fighting an uphill battle after getting outscored by 45-27 in the second quarter. In fact, the Pacers fell behind by as many as 28 points at one stage, which isn’t surprising given that they allowed the 76ers to shoot over 58 percent from the field for the game.
Why the Indiana Pacers will win
- The Pacers have won four of their last five games as home underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Hornets have lost each of their last five games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse following a road win.
- The Pacers have covered the spread in each of their last four games as home underdogs against Southeast Division opponents.
- The Hornets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five Thursday games against teams that held a losing record.
Why the Charlotte Hornets will win
- The Hornets have won each of their last eight games against teams that held a losing record.
- The Pacers have lost seven of their last eight home games following a home loss.
- The Hornets have covered the spread in 10 of their last 11 road games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Pacers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games.
Total Points: Facts
- Each of the Pacers’ last five home games has gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Hornets’ last four games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse following a road win has gone UNDER the total points line.
Charlotte Hornets Player Facts
- Brandon Miller ranks 14th amongst qualified players for three-pointers made per game (3.0) this season.
- Moussa Diabate ranks 16th amongst qualified players for rebounds per 36 minutes (12.2) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Pacers have used 32 different starting fives this season—the most in the league.
- The Pacers rank 30th in the league for points per possession this season (1.10).
- The Hornets rank 30th in the league for opponent free throw percentage this season (80.5%).
- The Hornets rank 1st in the league for opponent free throws made per game this season (16.4).
Charlotte Hornets vs Indiana Pacers Prediction
The Hornets are still slightly shorthanded with Liam McNeeley still out, while the Pacers have ruled out Aaron Nesmith, Ivica Zubac, and Johnny Furphy, with Obi Toppin, Andrew Nembhard, and Pascal Siakam all questionable. These teams have already clashed this season and it is the Pacers who won both meetings by single digits.
The line is hefty for this meeting, but the Hornets have come such a long way, while the Pacers have been in a downward spiral, so I am looking at the Hornets to get some revenge with a blowout win on the road in this spot.